Waves hit sea wall illustrating hydraulic action and corrasion coastal erosion, East Lane, Bawdsey, Suffolk

The force of the water in the wave enlarges cracks in the sea wall by compressing air – this is hydraulic action. The wave, even on a relatively calm day,  is carrying sediment, small pieces of shingle are shown in the image both in the water and on the ground. This sediment being hurled under great force at the sea wall is the erosional process of abrasion, also known as corrosion. This is one of the most frequently viewed images on my website but I think the first time that it has been licensed.